April 30, 2008: This photo, circa mid-1900s, shows the original Eatonville High School now called North Hall. Note the wooden fence, lack of campus and smoke drifting from the chimney. The school was erected in 1914, the brick building had five class rooms and eight laboratory rooms according to the "History of Tacoma Eastern Area" by Jeannette Hlavin and Pearl Engle.
      The building was proudly dedicated April 29, 1916. There were three school board members E. L. Howard, Nels Peter Christensen and C. C. Biggs. Governor Ernest Lister gave the dedication address. The dedication was an all day affair with musical programs, many speeches, tours and an evening banquet. Photo courtesy of Pat and Edwinna Van Eaton.

Erecting the High School...    

     Part of the school dedication ceremonies included a tour of the terra cotta gymnasium complete with what was described at the time as an Olympic size swimming pool. The gym was built in 1914, the same year as the high school. Photo Courtesy of Pat and Edwinna Van Eaton.

     The gym was a great place for physical education and competitive sports. Spectators sat on the upper level for a bird's eye view. When this building was torn down in the early 1960s workers said it was so well built the job was made extra hard. Some of the wooden flooring was salvaged and installed in the home of town founder Tom C. Van Eaton where it remains today. Photo courtesy of Pat and Edwinna Van Eaton.